Are parks, public places and libraries closed during coronavirus lockdown?
PARKS, libraries and other public places in some parts of the UK were closed down earlier today as a result of coronavirus.
But after Boris Johnson put the UK in lockdown, are parks, libraries and public places still open for use?
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Parks
Parks in certain parts of London were closed down or restricted as a result of the spread of the coronavirus today.
Hammersmith and Fulham council, from March 22, closed all parks in the borough.
In order to dissuade tourists from visiting, Royal Parks, responsible for Hyde Park and St. James' Park have closed all cafes and kiosks.
But Boris Johnson said tonight parks can remain open during the lockdown, however, communal play areas will close.
People can no longer gather in groups of more than two except for households.
Libraries
Libraries will now be forced to close after Boris Johnson's latest lockdown measures.
Many took the decision to shut down facilities as a result of the coronavirus pandemic before the Prime Minister's announcement.
Public places
The PM has now closed all non-essential shops except: food, pharmacy, newsagents, vets, petrol stations, hardware, banks, laundrettes and undertakers.
Public places will remain open but there will be no gatherings of more than 2 people except for households.
- Shopping for food or medicine
- Exercise for yourself or pets alone or with members of your household only. Not friends
- Medical appointments or as a carer visiting a vulnerable person
- Travel to and from work for essential workers only
Boris Johnson said: "To ensure compliance with the Government’s instruction to stay at home, we will immediately:
- close all shops selling non-essential goods, including clothing and electronic stores and other premises including libraries, playgrounds and outdoor gyms, and places of worship;
- we will stop all gatherings of more than two people in public – excluding people you live with;
- and we’ll stop all social events, including weddings, baptisms and other ceremonies, but excluding funerals.
"Parks will remain open for exercise but gatherings will be dispersed.
";No Prime Minister wants to enact measures like this.
"I know the damage that this disruption is doing and will do to people’s lives, to their businesses and to their jobs.
"And that’s why we have produced a huge and unprecedented programme of support both for workers and for business.
"And I can assure you that we will keep these restrictions under constant review. We will look again in three weeks, and relax them if the evidence shows we are able to.
"But at present there are just no easy options. The way ahead is hard, and it is still true that many lives will sadly be lost.
"And yet it is also true that there is a clear way through."
